A Thousand Horses offers rootsy, intimate southern rock

They’re one of the up-and-comers in the Nashville, Tenn., country music scene, known for booze-infused songs that tell of the traditions of flyover country.

A Thousand Horses, currently on tour with Darius Rucker, are lighting up stadiums around the country. But their stop in Monticello this Friday, at the boisterous BJ Wingers venue, offers a chance to see the five-piece group up close and personal.

That’s because pop-rock ballads like “Tennessee Whiskey” pay homage to simple country songs of heartbreak while maintaining an inimitable and delightful personality.

“Inspiration could come from anywhere,” frontman Michael Hobby said. “Sometimes you never really know what you are going to feel or come up with. Some days it happens, some days it doesn’t. But, we’ve always found that when it’s honest, it’s right.”

Part of what makes the band a joy to listen to, especially in live shows, is their aptitude to for unconstrained joy.

Their music “has never felt like work,” Hobby said. “It has always felt like it is supposed to — fun. It’s real human interaction on stage and in the crowd and that comes across. I know that we always have a blast.”

When: Doors open 7 p.m., show begins 8:30 p.m. Friday

Where: BJ Wingers 210 N. Sixth St., Monticello

How much: Tickets are $10 for standing room, $25 for VIP, available on eventbrite.com. The show is for ages 21 and older.